PUC Volleyball Finishes Season

The Pacific Union College Lady Pioneers played their last game of the season on Saturday, Oct. 26, with the Bethany College Bruins. The Pioneers won 15-4, 9-15, 15-13, 16-14.

During the opening ceremony, the Pioneers acknowledged captain Michelle Konn, a middle blocker, with flowers and a gift. Konn, the only senior on the team, will graduate in June with three years of varsity experience.

The Pioneers started the match with confidence after winning their previous league matches during the week. They captured a 17-15, 18-16, 15-10 win over Simpson College on Tuesday, Oct. 22, and a 15-3, 16-14, 10-15, 15-3 win over Cal State University Maritime on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Bethany gave the Pioneers trouble in the second game, starting with a 5-0 lead due to passing errors.

"We just got over-confident and we let our intensity drop," said freshman middle blocker Emily Ziegler.

The Pioneers regained their momentum in the third game, winning long rallies and serving well.

A Bethany player suffered a knee injury with a 14-14 tie in the fourth game, and the Pioneers scored two quick points to win the match.

"I thought that we came together and hustled," said sophomore setter Trisha Williams. "We felt comfortable with our surroundings and it ended up being one of our best games."

Freshman setter Angie Hill led the Pioneers with 15 assists and freshman middle blocker Emily Ziegler had a team-high 14 kills.

The Pioneers finished third in the Cal-PAC (California Pacific Conference) with a season record of 6-6 in league play and 8-8 overall.